Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held crucial summit talks in New Delhi, where the enduring conflict in Ukraine featured prominently in their high-level discussions. PM Modi used the occasion to reiterate India's firm stance, emphasizing that the welfare of nations lies in the "path of peace" and urging a return to diplomacy and dialogue.
During his televised opening remarks, Prime Minister Modi explicitly stated that "India is on the side of peace" and supports all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution to the conflict that has been ongoing since February 2022. He stressed that the war should come to an end through sustained engagement and negotiation, reinforcing India's consistent foreign policy position that this is "not an era of war."
Responding to PM Modi's push for peace, President Putin affirmed that Russia is also "working on a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict." The Russian President expressed gratitude for the attention India has been paying to the peace efforts, highlighting the significance of India's role in the global diplomatic push. He also indicated that details regarding Russia's approach to a peaceful settlement have been shared with the Indian Prime Minister.
The meeting underscores the delicate but strategically vital relationship between India and Russia, which has sustained despite immense geopolitical pressure stemming from the conflict. While the primary focus of the summit was strengthening bilateral ties across defence, trade, and technology, the leaders' joint affirmation on the need for peace serves as a powerful message on the global stage. Both nations concluded their discussions with a commitment to continue pushing for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
